The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1887-05-19

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home, 30 it would be useless to de-
scribe its general appearance. 1t is
built on an elevation aud faces the
river. From the large porch sur
rounding the mansion yod have a
fine view OF the river aud Maryland
shore.
catering The room toward the
north, ono OF the first things which
lattracts the attention OF the visitor
is large Fireplace and mantle, II
was manufactured in italy and pre-
sented to Washington by wealthy
English gentleman.
II is said that on its woy scross
the ocean pirates captured the VS.
sci aud were appropriating every
thing on it for their own use, bu,
when they heard that this mantle
piece was for General Washington,
they Immediately reetored it to the
ship. In this room is also to be
seen large painting OF Washington
and his staff We passed into n
hallway and saw in glass case fas-
tened to the wall tho key Of tho Bns.
tile-,ho famous State prison Of
France given to Washington by his
friend, General do Lafayette. In
the library are found but few books,
the most of Washington's books
having been taken to Boston early
in tho century. Passing to the
second story, wo saw tho room used
by General Lafayette whom he visited
Mt. Vernon There are many things
found here, such as. clothing, etc =.
which woro once used be the genor-
lal.
Bnt the last room, and That which
is most interesting on account Of its
associations, is the room in which
Washington died. IL is in the
southern part Of the building on the
second floor. The furniture in it il
the same.as was used when WashN
ington occupied the room. The
bed clothing, however has. s..been re-
plnced, for tho ruthless hand OF tho
relic hunters has even dared to desc
crate the hallowcd DEATH chamber Of
Washington.
On the Mt Vernon Estate were
many thousand acros OF land.
Standing on the western sido of the
building can be seen about q mile
away tho ruin Of tho old porter's
lodge. The elavo quarters built of
brick, are now in ruin 90 is also tho
observatory near the present en-.
trance The conservatory is filled
with choice flowers, some are there
which were planted by Washington.
After visiting several othor points
OF iutoreBt we came toward tho riv-
or and about three huddred yards
from tho mansion found the old fam
lily tomb, now abandoned aud par,
TALLY in ruins.
While resting near this tomb we
could not help thinking of the past
and recalling some Of the scenes
which took place on these historic
grounds 1t was here near this
very spot that the aged Lafayette
with uncovered head, sadly paid his
respect to his departed friend and
chief.
Mt. Vernon is truoly becoming a
Mecca for Americans.
At three o'clock the mboat
whistle summoned us TO the wharf,
but on the way down we could not
refrain from stopping at tho vault
aSd to take parting view Of the sar-
cophagus which contains the remains
of him who was First in war, first
10 peace, and first in tho hearts OF
hin countrymen''
| As we left the wharf the steamboat
bell was tolled and the scenes OF
Mt. Vernon soon faded from view.
On our way up the river baud o I
musicians furnished excellent music
About four o'clock we arrived at the
Washington wharves, thus ending
day which shall long be remembered
at least by one. q. G.
Selinsgrove, Pa.
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